About First Friends

My First Friends was co-founded by Lauren Blatner and Patricia Neal. Patricia aka Miss Patty, is the founder and CEO of the Dance Spectrum located in Depew, NY. Miss Patty opened up Dance Spectrum in 1979, and is preparing to celebrate its 40th anniversary this coming fall. Currently it is home to over 600 boys and girls, offering a complete dance curriculum for all ages and skill levels. Through the years, Dance Spectrum has taught tens of thousands of children in the Western New York area.

Lauren Blatner is a DS alumni that has been part of the studio for over 29 years and has been an employee for over 18 years. Lauren is a mother of three children ages 11, 8, and 4. My First Friends programs are directed by Shannon Shields, also a Dance Spectrum alumni. She has three children ages 5, 3, and 18 months.

While planning this vision, Lauren turned to Shannon to help make this preschool a reality. As one of her first friends that she met while attending Dance Spectrum, Shannon didn’t hesitate to join and become the Program Director. We are so excited to start this new journey under the leadership of one of the most influential woman in Western New York, Miss Patty Neal.